On a warm, late summer afternoon I visited the Columbia Gorge to try
photographing the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias). I knew of a
place where one would wait patiently on a stump in the river looking for frogs
or fish, with a green reflection of distant trees in the water to provide a good
background for a picture. I arrived with camera, tripod, and a chair to
sit and relax in case I'd be waiting for a while. Shortly after setting up
the heron glided in, right on cue. I took a few photos, but the tree stump
was far enough away that my lens would not produce a large image. The sun
started to set, and I began to pack my gear for the trip home.

Just when I turned to leave, I heard a loud squawk. Another heron had
landed in a different spot along the shore between me and the setting sun and
the two were having a bird conversation. It was much closer than the first
and well within range of my lens. I was in the perfect place to photograph
the second one as he strolled along the shoreline in water lit up with
awe-inspiring colors. I must say I was in a state of near panic with no
time to spare. Quickly I put the camera back on the tripod and got off
four exposures, the bird framed by graceful curves of the sand. I did
recognize at the time that the sinuous pattern of the water's edge and splashes
of color made a striking composition. When I took the final frame, shown
here, the curious visitor gave me a gift—standing exactly where I would want it
to be.

Driving home, I realized that Nature has incredible rewards for us when we
are patient and observant. I began the day expecting one photo, but came
back with a completely different and far better one. Humans have created a
world where we try to control and exploit our environment, yet the real beauty
happens when we allow ourselves to be a part of the world and accept it on its
own terms rather than ours.